Can Home Remedies Really Cure Baldness? Here’s What You Need to Know
For centuries, people have searched for ways to stop hair loss and encourage regrowth. In Ancient Egypt, men applied a mixture of iron oxide, red lead, onions, alabaster, and honey to their scalps. The Greeks swore by olive oil massages, while in traditional Chinese medicine, Fo-Ti (He Shou Wu) was a popular herbal remedy believed to restore hair color and vitality. Even in medieval Europe, herbalists recommended nettle and rosemary rinses to strengthen and thicken hair.
Do any of these home remedies work? Or are they simply folktales with little scientific backing?
Let’s break it down.
Popular Home Remedies
Here’s a closer look at some of the most talked-about home remedies—and what science says about their effectiveness:
- Essential Oils (like rosemary, peppermint, or castor oil)
Some small studies suggest that rosemary oil may improve blood circulation to the scalp and support hair growth. However, results vary, and these oils aren’t a reliable cure for everyone. Consult a doctor before using essential oils. Make sure they are properly diluted. [1] - Onion Juice
It may sound unusual, but onion juice is rich in sulfur, which is thought to help with hair follicle stimulation. A few small studies have shown promise, but there isn’t a strong scientific consensus regarding their efficacy yet. [2] - Aloe Vera
Aloe vera is great for calming an itchy, irritated scalp and may reduce dandruff—but it’s not likely to reverse hair loss caused by genetics. [3] - Fo-Ti (He Shou Wu)
A root plant native to East Asia, Fo-Ti (also known as He Shou Wu), has long been taken as a tea, tonic, or supplement to restore hair color and vitality. Some studies suggest it may help fight hair thinning due to hormones, but there is still a lack of strong clinical data to support that conclusion. [4] - Scalp Massages
A very small study showed scalp massage may increase blood circulation, potentially enhancing hair thickness [5], but there isn’t enough scientific or clinical data to indicate that it will slow the loss of hair or stimulate regrowth. Don’t let that stop you from getting a nice, relaxing head massage though – it shouldn’t interfere with your quest to prevent hair loss or support regrowth. - Diet & Supplements (like biotin, zinc, and vitamin D)
Nutrient deficiencies can contribute to hair thinning. Biotin is essential for keratin production, a key protein in hair structure. [6] Zinc is crucial for repair mechanisms needed to maintain normal growth. [7] Vitamin D is thought to play a role in hair follicle cycling. [8] Supplements may help only if your body lacks those nutrients. Over-supplementing won’t offer extra benefits. [9]
What Actually Helps with Hair Loss?
According to the American Academy of Dermatology Association, there are many potential causes of hair loss, including aging, poor diet, significant weight loss, iron deficiency, thyroid conditions, and postpartum hormonal changes. [10]
Another cause is androgenetic alopecia, also known as male or female pattern baldness. This condition is primarily genetic.
While natural remedies can help support scalp and hair health, they are generally not strong enough to stop or reverse genetic hair loss. The following may be part of a provider’s treatment plan for hair loss:
Medications
- Minoxidil: A topical solution commonly considered by providers for scalp health. It is thought to increase blood flow to the scalp, which may support follicular activity and prolong the hair’s natural growth cycle.
- Finasteride: A medication often used to treat genetic hair loss and other conditions. Finasteride is generally understood to inhibit the enzyme 5-alpha reductase, which plays a role in converting testosterone to dihydrotestosterone (DHT), a hormone responsible for shrinking hair follicles. This mechanism is considered by providers when addressing concerns related to hair health. Carie Boyd offers this medication in capsule form and as a topical ingredient in Formula 82F®.
- Dutasteride: A medication that inhibits both 5-alpha-reductase isoenzymes that convert testosterone into DHT, a hormone responsible for shrinking hair follicles. This mechanism may be considered by providers treating men experiencing hair loss. Carie Boyd carries this medication in capsule form and as a topical ingredient in Formula 82D®.
- Compounded Medications:
Compounded treatments are custom-made by specialized pharmacies and often combine multiple active ingredients to boost effectiveness. Formula 82M®, for example, is a topical medication for both men and women that uses minoxidil as its key active ingredient. As a compounded product, it was specifically designed to be non-sticky and non-greasy. [11] It’s important for physicians to work closely with compounding pharmacies to understand the effects that compounded medications can have on hair and scalp health.
Hair Transplant Surgery:
This procedure involves relocating healthy hair follicles from one part of the scalp to thinning or bald areas. It’s considered one of the more permanent solutions for advanced hair loss. [12] There are a lot of doctors and clinics who offer hair transplant services. It’s important to work with one whose surgical and aesthetic skills you trust.
Low-Level Laser Therapy (LLLT):
Devices like laser combs or helmets use red light to stimulate hair follicles. While results are mixed, some people report improvements in hair growth over time. [13] There are a lot of redlight products on the market, and many are very expensive. With only anecdotal evidence as to their effectiveness, be cautious before spending too much on one of these devices.
The Bottom Line
Home remedies may help maintain a healthy scalp and slow the progression of hair thinning, but they can’t reverse hair loss caused by genetics. For the best results, pair a healthy lifestyle with treatments guided by a dermatologist or healthcare provider.
Looking for a personalized solution to hair and scalp health?
Visit our Hair & Scalp page to explore topical treatments and hormone therapies designed to help you love your hair again. Our line of products includes topical formulations as well as oral capsules. These medications are often considered by providers treating patients who are experiencing hair loss.
Whether you’re just beginning your hair journey or looking to enhance your current regimen, we have something to help you feel confident and refreshed—starting at the root!
References:
[2] Healthline – Onion Juice for Hair
[3] Healthline – Aloe Vera for Hair
[4] NIH – Fo-Ti
[5] Koyama, et al. – Hair Thickness
[6] NIH – Biotin
[7] NIH – Zinc
[8] Dermatology Online Journal – Vitamin D
[9] Thorne – Mayo Clinic on Hair Loss Causes
[10] American Academy of Dermatology – Hair Shedding
[11] HairScience – Formula 82M
[12] AAD – Hair Transplant Information
[13] NIH- LLLT
